3D Security Initiative

The Journal of International Peace Operations recently published an article by 3D Security Initiative's Policy Director Michael Shank on the need for a more robust security strategy in Iraq. In this article, Michael examines how diplomacy and development can play a role in securitizing Iraq, Somalia and other conflict regions. Analyzing the administration's recent budget proposals for defense spending in FY08 as well as past and present budget allocations for Iraq reconstruction efforts, Michael recommends an alternative approach, one that prioritizes diplomacy and development. Click

Noam Chomsky is a noted linguist, author, and foreign policy expert. On February 9, 3D Security Initiative's Policy Director Michael Shank interviewed him on the latest developments in U.S. policy toward Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and Venezuela. Along the way, Chomsky also commented on how the developing world will be impacted by climate change and why it is incumbent on the rich world to provide assistance.

To read the interview, which was published on February 16, 2007, in Foreign Policy in Focus, click here.

Congressman Gilchrest (R-MD) is a dedicated diplomat and recent founder of the Dialogue/Diplomacy caucus that is emerging within the House of Representatives. Frustrated by the Bush Administration's unwillingness to pursue exhaustive diplomacy in the Middle East and dismissal of the Iraq Study Group's recommendations for regional dialogue vis-a-vis Iraq, or even more country-specific dialogue with Iran and Syria, Congressman Gilchrest is helping form a Dialogue Caucus with 20-30 Members (both Republican and Democratic) to encourage dialogue with US adversaries.

Recently Congressman Gilchrest sat down with 3D Security Initiative's Policy Director Michael Shank to talk further about why the US should engage in a diplomatic surge in the Middle East, as opposed to a troop surge.

Congressman Bartlett (R-MD) was kind enough to sit down with me recently to talk about Peak Oil, a topic consuming much of his time and energy on the House Floor. The Congressman is an impressive and committed environmentalist, owning the first hybrid (on the Hill) and building over 30 solar-powered houses. Congressman Bartlett understands well the linkages between oil and security and how many of this world's wars were fought over access to oil.

How does this relate to the 3D Security Initiative? Well, if more dollars were spent on DEVELOPMENT, in this case the development of alternative fuels, conservation mechanisms, renewable energy infrastructure, etc., we would significantly increase and embolden our overall security. By developing local mechanisms for energy production and distribution, rather than relying on scarcely positioned and depleting sources of fossil fuels, we simultaneously enhance our security and reduce our reliance on oil and natural gas.